Ousmane Dembélé and Aitana Bonmatí Shine at Prestigious Ballon d’Or 2025 Ceremony in Paris

The football world turned its attention to the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris last night for the 69th edition of the Ballon d’Or ceremony, as the greatest talents of the 2024-25 season were honoured at the sport’s most glamorous and historic awards gala.

Fans and superstars gathered in the heart of the French capital for a night celebrating individual brilliance, club dominance, and the growing impact of both men’s and women’s football. The headline accolades went to Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembélé, named Men’s Ballon d’Or winner after a season in which he inspired PSG to their first-ever Champions League triumph. In the women’s category, Spain and Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí collected a third consecutive Women’s Ballon d’Or, further cementing her legacy as one of football’s modern greats.

The star-studded ceremony opened with a musical performance by Charlotte Cardin and was hosted by AC Milan legend Ruud Gullit alongside broadcaster Kate Scott. The evening unfolded with tension and excitement as awards were handed out in a packed theatre full of football royalty, international media, and red carpet glitz.

A special moment came for teenage sensation Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), who secured the Kopa Trophy for best young player for the second year in a row. Gianluigi Donnarumma, who recently transferred to Manchester City but was honoured for his achievements at PSG, was named the men’s Yashin Trophy winner for best goalkeeper, while Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton scooped the first-ever women’s Yashin Trophy.

The top coaching accolade, the Johan Cruyff Trophy, was awarded to PSG’s Luis Enrique, the mastermind behind the club’s European conquest. Other highlights included the recognition of footballers and clubs making a difference off the pitch, with the Socrates Award celebrating humanitarian initiatives.

With a renewed emphasis on gender equality, the 2025 gala introduced women’s editions of historic trophies, marking another step forward for the global growth of the women’s game and underlining the Ballon d’Or’s enduring reputation as the ultimate mark of football excellence.

For one unforgettable night, Paris once again became the beating heart of world football, crowning the best and inspiring a new generation of champions.

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